23 June 2023 - Term 2, Week 10

News from Mr Johnson

Dear Parents,

Thank-you and Goodbye!

All the very best to each and every one of you. I have found this last week both overwhelming and exciting all wrapped up into one.

Thank you for all the support I’ve been afforded since 2016. Ironside and the St Lucia Community will always remain very special to me. I’m deeply appreciative of the very special assembly and ‘send-off’ I received today.

I know you’ll warmly welcome Amanda Hawkswell into the fold. She is excited to be joining and leading this school and community from next term.

Have a safe and happy holiday break. School resumes for students on Monday 10^th July 2023.

I’ll miss you.

All the very best for the holidays, semester and years ahead. Stay safe and well.

Warm regards,

Damian Johnson, Principal.

News from Mr Weston-Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

Bridge Builders – Skill of the week Skill of the week (Week 9): How to get help

Knowing how to ask for help can be life-saving for a child experiencing challenging relationships. The experience of conflict or bullying can separate children from others, severing ties. Children need to be encouraged to know that they are not alone and that support and help is available.

Five steps to getting help:

1. Calm down. Whether a child is red-faced, their body shaking with anger, or is pale and bent over, racked with tears, or somewhere in between, often adults are distracted by the emotion.
2. Show respect. Use the person’s name and ask if now is a good time.
3. Say what happened. Just being able to describe what happened, and put it into words, is helpful to a child’s thinking processes.
4. Say what you tried. When we got to others for help, it is far more powerful and effective if we can describe what we have tried ourselves first to resolve the problem.
5. Ask for ideas. Children commonly want to throw a problem at an adult with the expectation of, You fix it.” This expectation leaves children passive in the process of resolution, because they are relying on the adults to clean up the mess and giving adults the responsibility of resolving issues and making decisions.

Bridge Builders – Skill of the week (Week 10): Let it go

One of life’s hardest and most painful lessons is learning to forgive someone who has hurt you.  Forgiving someone means letting go of negative feelings like anger, frustration or sadness that arise due to a conflict situation. It means accepting an apology and not staying upset at the person for what they did.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you suddenly are no longer hurt, it means that you don’t want to be chained to the problem and hold a grudge that makes you a bitter person.  To forgive is a ‘doing’ word and the act is one that takes a lot of effort and commitment. The process relies on the constant checking and reframing of a child’s thinking and the releasing of the physical hurt that these thoughts create. It can be quick or it can take a long time.

A child learning the value of forgiveness and what is involved not only reduces their stress and the negative impacts on their mental and physical health, but also increases the possibility of healthier relationships in the future and their ability to move on in life with success.

“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

Around the classrooms – Prep: 

This week in Prep we have been celebrating NAIDOC week. We read the Dreamtime story How the Birds Got Their Colours and practised our retell skills by creating spoken and written retellings of the story. We also looked at Cathy Freeman’s story The Heartbeat of the Land and identified our favourite parts of the story. On Wednesday we had a special visit from First Nations Children’s author Gregg Dreiss which was a fantastic experience for the children.

Around the classrooms – Year 1: 

This week has been very busy for Year 1! On Wednesday morning we had an author visit from Indigenous author Gregg Dreise. We really enjoyed listening to him talk about his books and sharing his stories with us. In the afternoon we had our cross country at Robertson Park. All Year 1 students finished the course and did an amazing job!

On Thursday the Taringa Fire Brigade came to talk to us about fire safety. We learnt some important lessons about how to be safe in the event of a fire.

Around the classrooms – Year 2: 

This week the Year 2 students enjoyed the annual Junior Cross Country Carnival organised by the wonderful Mrs English and supported by her team of amazing Year 6 Sports Captains and helpers.

We were blessed with beautiful, warm, winter sunshine and a large number of supportive parents to cheer everyone along. The Year 2 students ran with courage and determination and showed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the morning. Their enthusiasm and behaviour were exemplary and the morning was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

There were many students who participated despite not feeling 100% well. There is already chatter amongst some students as to what the plan of attack is going to be next year! I think we have some running stars in the making!

Have a fantastic break, stay warm and we look forward to seeing you all again when school returns.

Kind regards,

Scott Weston-Murdoch

Deputy Principal P-2

News from Mr Davey

Have a wonderful break

Thank you all for a wonderful second term. I hope you’re able to find some time to connect with your families and get to relax over the holiday break.

Bridge Builder Award

Congratulations and thank you to our wonderful Bridge Builders who volunteer their lunch times to support younger children to resolve conflict in the playground.  Abigail received her Silver Certificate for completing 20 shifts.  We appreciate and value your leadership and contribution to making our playgrounds safe and happy places.

Sydney Canberra Trip

Students attending Canberra trip

Students requiring pre-planned medication while on camp will require a completed ‘Administration of medication’ form which was sent out via email earlier this week. One form is required per medication.

Prior to staff administering medication: 

• The above-mentioned form must be completed.
• Medication must be in-date and be in the original pharmacy labelled container.
• For prescription medication, the container/box must have a valid pharmacy label which includes the name of your child and the prescribing health practitioner to confirm that it is prescription medication.
• For single use medication including travel sickness medication, a pharmacy label with the dosage and child’s name is required. A hand-written label does not meet these criteria. Please do not send Nurofen or Panadol, as the school has supplies of these medications.
• The student must have received a dose at home without ill effect.
• All medications must be in original packaging and placed in a clear, named zip-lock bag with the ‘Administration of medication’ form

All medication is to be handed to Mrs Shelley Lee at Brisbane Airport. Mrs Lee will ensure correct documentation has been provided.

If you have indicated that your child suffers from asthma or an anaphylaxis allergy, it is important that there is a current Asthma Plan or Anaphylaxis Plan for your child in the school office. Reliever puffers and EpiPens will be kept with students at all times.

Children’s Panadol and Nurofen will be packed in the school’s medical kits that are being taken to Canberra. Parents do not need to provide Panadol or Nurofen. In the case of a student becoming unwell whilst on camp, Panadol and/or Nurofen will be administered in accordance with parents’ approvals and according to the weight and age guides on the packaging.

Students not attending Year 6 Canberra Trip

If your child is not attending school in Week 1 of Term 3 when the Year 6 Cohort is on the Sydney- Canberra trip, they will be taught by Mrs Maxwell in the 6D classroom.

EcoMarines

EcoMarines have created a battery recycling programme, please feel free to drop off your dead batteries into the box at the office next term and we will recycle them

Kind regards,

Peter Davey

Deputy Principal 3-4

pdave16@eq.edu.au. 

News from Mrs Cowan-Dillon

Dear parents and caregivers,

Year 3 Celebration of Learning

After much anticipation, the families of our Year 3 students finally got to share in all of the fantastic inquiry learning that has been happening throughout the semester. As part of the Going Further phase, students shared posters, PowerPoint presentations, food and their research. It was lovely to see so many visitors exploring the classrooms and talking to the children about their learning. I can’t wait to see our Year 4 students and their families do the same in Term 3!

Year 4 Mini Inquiry

4A read Marngrook and conducted a mini inquiry into Adam Goodes for NAIDOC day.

MLTAQ Brisbane Languages Speech Contest 

Sunday 6 August 2023 from 9am

This is a great opportunity for our students to show their progress in Languages! 

Students interested in representing the school at the 2023 MLTAQ Brisbane Languages Speech Contest, organised by the Modern Language Teachers' Association of Queensland and Griffith University, are invited to express their interest at the beginning of Term 3.

There are 2 categories:

Background speaker:

Contestant’s mother and/or father’s first language is the language of the division or has completed between three months to 2 years of language compulsory education in country.

Non-background speakers: Other students

Places are limited to 4 students per year level for Non-background speakers and 3 students per year level for Background speakers.

PARENTS MUST ENSURE STANDARD EQ/SCHOOL MEDIA CONSENT HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR EACH CONTESTANT.

More information at https://www.mltaq.asn.au/brisbane-languages-speech-contest-2023.html

Religious Instruction

Religious Instruction will begin again in Week 2 of Term 3.

Faith groups who are offering RI at Ironside are:

• Buddhist (Year 3-6)
• Catholic
• Combined Christian
• Islam
• Hindu

Students will be enrolled into the RI group aligned with the information provided at the time of enrolment. Should you wish to change the RI group that your child attends, please submit this advice in writing to: acowa13@eq.edu.au AND adhil27@eq.edu.au It is possible to change groups/cease attendance at any time.

Extra-Curricular Photos

On Thursday, 20^th July, we have MSP Photography returning to photograph our extra-curricular groups. The following groups will be involved and are required to have performance uniforms and instruments on the day (if applicable):

• Senior Strings
• Intermediate Strings
• Chamber Strings
• Junior Strings
• Year 1 Choir
• Year 2 Choir
• Singfest
• Senior Band
• Intermediate Band
• Junior Band
• Year 6 Cohort
• Japan Study Tour
• Bridge Builders

Further information will be provided at the beginning of Term 3. 

Term 2 has come to close after many busy weeks of learning. I hope you all have a safe and restful break. We will see you back on July 10^th.

Junior Rotary

Please note that the date for the presentation of the Junior Rotary Award is set for the evening of Tuesday 24th October in the hall at Kenmore South State School.

Mrs Bodman will be collecting the students' work a couple of weeks beforehand, so please ensure that the following three things are completed by 3 October and returned to Mrs Fairhall:

• booklet completed and signed;
• display folder showing how the student took part in the activities;
• poster about the Arts.

Another Junior Rotary meeting will be held early in term three. 

Kind regards,

Alice Cowan-Dillon

Acting Deputy Principal

acowa13@eq.edu.au

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HPE News

Year 3-6 Athletics Day 2023

Well done to all participating students and a big congratulations to those who received ribbons and the age champions listed below. Many students aged 10, 11 & 12 years who have met the district qualifying standards in both the track and field events will have the opportunity to attend the District Track and Field Carnival in July.

New Records

8 Yrs – Lucas C(80m), Dominic H-B(200m), Harvey T(Shot Put), Sam L (High Jump)

9 Yrs – Federico R P(Long Jump), Hana C-W(Shot Put)

10 Yrs – Samara D A(100m, 200m), Madeleine D(Discus), Mason D(Shot Put)

11 Yrs – Sam W(Shot Put)

12 Yrs – Lennox J(High Jump), Coco L(Discus)

Thanks again.

Jeremie Clarke-Okah – HPE Specialist.

News from Chappy Thu

Dear Families,

As you would have heard by now, Ironside is about to head into a new era of leadership with Damian being promoted & moving to his new role as a School Supervisor next term. This is the first school I’ve ever worked in as a chaplain & I don’t believe chaplaincy at Ironside would be what it is today without his leadership & support. I’ve truly appreciated my past two years working for him & wish him all the best for his next chapter. He will be missed!

On another note, Silly Sock Day is here! As I watch the inflatable rise at the same time as the sun above our basketball court, I am reminded of just how beautiful our world is. It is a place of wonder, constantly changing, sometimes turbulent, but nonetheless beautiful! It has been a busy term for us all but I am proud of all we have created together as a community from the International Breakfast to all the sporting events, NAIDOC artwork, music soirees & more! Thank you to the P&C, staff & students for your time & effort into making it all possible.

Have a wonderful break everyone & I look forward to seeing you all next term!

Chappy Squad

We had our Chappy Squad Awards Party this Wednesday, where I had the opportunity to thank all 127 Squad Members for their tremendous effort this term! We had hundreds of students coming to our activities each week & surely could not have offered them all without the help of these remarkable young people! Congratulations to Team Axolotl for earning the most points this term & congratulations also to the following students for their dedication & commitment to bringing extra joy to our break times!

Chappy Activities

Official Chappy Activities ended in Week 8, but we did have a fun Bop It tournament over various break times across week 9 & week 10. It was so much fun learning a new game & seeing the kids bop their way to victory! Special mention to Cooper who was a real stand out, winning nearly half of the rounds himself! Superstar! Other honourable mentions include Ella, Eva & Ann – well done girls!

Chaplaincy Committee

The Chaplaincy Committee is a group of dedicated staff & parents who help organise & run events such as Movie Night, Father’s Day Breakfast & Gingerbread Night. The Committee also contributes to Chaplaincy at Ironside by supporting & brainstorming ideas for all the activities & programs that the Chaplain runs through the year. We meet once or twice a term to discuss all things chaplaincy & would love to have new members, especially anyone willing to take on executive roles. Our current president, David Moore, is sadly leaving Ironside next year as his youngest will be off to high school, so in particular, we are looking for a new president. If you are interested in joining the committee or would like more information, please email me at tklet0@eq.edu.au. Thank you!

Supporting Chaplaincy

Thank you to everyone who has donated to Chaplaincy over the past fortnight! Your generosity is much appreciated! If you are interested in donating goods for next term, I am especially looking for bubble solution. I usually buy the 2L bottles from Kmart which are around $7 each. Sweet & Savour Treats for Chappy Lounge is also appreciated!

You are also welcomed to donate money directly to chaplaincy, which will go to funding resources, activities & fun days like Silly Sock Day. All donations are tax deductible & if you wish to do so, please use this link: https://www.suqld.org.au/donate/ironside-ss-chaplaincy-tax-deductible/

Happy Holiday!

Until Next Time,

Chappy Thu

tklet0@eq.edu.au

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

8am to 4pm

International Parent Group News

International Breakfast 2023 Thank You…

Thank you to everyone who came to support this special community event this year. A huge thank you to the International Parent Group, P & C, Volunteers, Ironside staff, families and students for organising stalls, making and selling food.  A special thank you to Councillor James Mackay for his generous support and sponsorship this year.

This year we had a total of 34 stalls, serving over 5500 serves of food. Our culinary journey took us to…..

Burma, Japan, China, Turkiye, Australia, Oman, Lebanon, Iran, Chile, Mexico, Iraq, India, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Colombia/Venezuela, Israel, Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Korea, Hungary, Germany, Malaysia, France, Madagascar, Croatia, Romania, Great Britain, Vietnam, Philippines and South Africa/Zimbabwe.

Profits from the International Breakfast are donated to charity.  This year we are proudly supporting 3 charities – Qld Turkish Women’s Association towards Earthquake Relief, Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC) and the Royal Children’s Hospital. Both the Qld Turkish Women’s Association and ASCR had stalls at the breakfast this year.

On Friday 21^st July we will have a special Chat and Cuppa (9 – 10:30am in the EAL/D Rooms) as part of our International Parent Group, to view photos, announce charity donations and reflect on the success of International Breakfast 2023. 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holidays!

Kind regards,

Kylie Sommerfeld

EAL/D and International Breakfast Coordinator

Uniform and Tuckshop News